NELUM BUDDHADASA
COLOMBO – Mount Lavinia Hotel, the island’s premier heritage destination, rang in the New Year with a vibrant “Havana at Midnight” celebration, blending the rhythmic soul of Cuba with the timeless elegance of the Sri Lankan coast. The event, held on December 31, 2025, saw a diverse international audience usher in 2026 against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
The evening’s festivities were hosted by Mr. Anura Devapura, Chief Operating Officer of Mount Lavinia Hotel. Underscoring the event’s Havana theme, the hotel was honoured to welcome H.E. Ms. Patricia Lazara Pego Guerra, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba for Sri Lanka and Maldives as part of the distinguished guest list that also included local guests from the Colombo high society.
A Fusion of Culture and Entertainment
The “31st Night Havana Dance” transformed the hotel’s iconic poolside into a global stage. Professional Havana-style dancers set the tone for the evening, performing to a curated mix of Cuban melodies and contemporary hits, from Bollywood to Sri Lankan baila.
The entertainment was headlined by the legendary Rajiv and the Clan, whose high-octane performance kept the energy electric until dawn. The celebration drew a sophisticated mix of local residents and international tourists from the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, and Germany, creating a unique mosaic of global cultures on the dance floor.
Culinary Mastery by Chef Publis
The gala dinner was a cornerstone of the night’s success, overseen by the legendary Chef Publis Silva. As an icon of Sri Lankan cuisine, Chef Publis and his culinary team presented an expansive spread that balanced international sophistication with authentic island flavours.
In an ode to Sri Lankan tradition, the festivities concluded in the early hours of January 1st with a ceremonial breakfast of Kiribath (milk rice), marking a prosperous start to the New Year for all guests in attendance.
